1983 D-18 Martin Vintage Series S# 443645

by Neil
(Wisc.)

This is a limited Edition 150 years adaptation.
It has a Ebony fretboard and bridge and C.F. Martin
the third and fourth signature. Original exceptfor
undersaddle pickup. Good shape, few dings and small
scratches.

ANSWER

Hi, Neil--

The Blue Book provides this description of the D-18 S:

"D-18S
- slope-shouldered dreadnought 12-fret body style, solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, round soundhole with three-stripe purfling/rosette, five-ply top binding, one-ply back binding with black outer layer, 12/20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, slotted headstock with raised gold foil logo, three-per-side open-style chrome tuners, rosewood bridge, black pickguard, available in Natural finish, 25.4 in. scale, available as a Special Order, mfg. 1967-1993."

Notice, however, that the bridge and fingerboard are rosewood. I did some research and found some mention of the D-18 S sith ebony.

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/D18VMS.htm

As you can see, this guitar is advertised for sale at considerably more than the Blue Book price for the D-18S:

1980-1993 Excellent $1,650 - 2,000

Average $1,150 - 1,350

The pick up is probably going to be a major factor in the value of your guitar. Originality has become increasingly important, affecting values up to 25% or more in today's original condition dominated marketplace.

Hope this helps--

Lynne